Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois Medigap Plan G Plus Review
If you’re new to Medicare, you’ve probably discovered just how confusing it can be to figure out what’s covered – and more importantly, what isn’t. That’s where Medicare Supplement plans, also called Medigap, come in.
These plans help cover the out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare (Parts A and B) doesn’t pay, such as deductibles, coinsurance, and copays. When it comes to Medigap options, Plan G is one of the most popular and comprehensive choices available.
In Illinois, a version of Plan G takes things a step further. It’s called Plan G Plus, and it’s offered by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL).
This version includes a few extra perks that standard Plan G plans don’t come with.
If you’re new to Medicare in Illinois – or comparing Medigap options during your Open Enrollment window – this guide is for you.
I’ll explain how Plan G Plus works, what makes it different, and whether it’s worth considering compared to other options like standard Plan G or Medicare Advantage.
Let’s start with the basics.
What Is Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois Plan G Plus?
Medigap Plan G is one of the most comprehensive Medicare Supplement plans available today. It’s designed to work alongside Original Medicare by covering nearly all of the costs that Medicare doesn’t, like:
- Hospital coinsurance
- Skilled nursing facility care
- Outpatient copays
You only pay out of pocket for the annual Medicare Part B deductible.
Now, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) offers something called Plan G Plus. This is a version of standard Plan G, but with additional benefits packaged in. You still get all the core medical coverage that makes Plan G popular, but BCBSIL adds extra perks – things typical Medigap plans don’t cover.
Here’s what that means for you:
Plan G Plus is exclusive to Illinois residents and can only be purchased through BCBSIL.
It includes all of the protections of standard Plan G, so your medical benefits don’t change.
But it also adds coverage extras like dental, vision, hearing benefits, or other wellness-related services (depending on your chosen version).
So, in short: Plan G Plus = Plan G + value-added extras.
For many people, this bundled approach simplifies their coverage by reducing the need to shop for separate dental or vision plans.
What's Covered Under Standard Plan G?
Whether you’re looking at standard Plan G or Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois’ Plan G Plus, it’s important to know that all Plan G policies include the same core medical benefits.
These are federally standardized, which means the coverage doesn’t change from one insurance company to another.
Here’s what every Plan G includes:
- Medicare Part A hospital coinsurance and hospital costs: You’re covered for inpatient hospital stays, including an extra 365 days after Medicare benefits are used up.
- Medicare Part A deductible: This is the large inpatient hospital deductible Medicare charges; Plan G pays it in full.
- Medicare Part B coinsurance or copayment: Covers your share (usually 20%) of outpatient services like doctor visits, lab work, and therapy.
- Skilled nursing facility care coinsurance: After a hospital stay, if you need rehab or skilled nursing care, Plan G covers what Medicare doesn’t after day 20.
- Foreign travel emergency care: If you travel outside the U.S., Plan G provides limited emergency medical coverage up to plan limits.
- Medicare Part B excess charges: Plan G pays the difference if your doctor doesn’t accept Medicare’s payment rate and bills up to 15% more.
These benefits make Plan G one of the most complete Medicare Supplement plans available. It’s especially popular among those who want predictable out-of-pocket costs and the freedom to see any provider that accepts Medicare.
There’s just one small gap left with Plan G:
- The Medicare Part B deductible: In 2025, this amount is $257. You’ll need to pay this once per year out of pocket before your Part B coverage kicks in.
Other than that, Plan G handles nearly every other cost Medicare leaves behind.
Now that you understand what standard Plan G covers, let’s take a look at what makes Plan G Plus from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois different.
The “Plus” in Plan G Plus: Extra Benefits You Get
In short, the “Plus” means added value – benefits that aren’t typically included in any Medigap plan.
These extras are bundled into your Plan G Plus coverage to give you more complete health support without having to shop for separate dental, vision, or hearing policies.
Here’s what you get:
#1. Dental Coverage
Plan G Plus includes preventive and basic dental care, helping you take care of one of the most commonly neglected areas in retirement. This includes:
- X-rays
- Coverage for basic fillings
- Two cleanings and exams per year
This is a big advantage, since Original Medicare and standard Medigap plans don’t include dental benefits at all.
#2. Vision Benefits
Keeping your eyes healthy is just as important, and Plan G Plus includes:
- One annual routine eye exam
- A $130 allowance toward prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses
That’s coverage you’d normally have to pay extra for through a standalone vision plan.
#3. Hearing Services
Hearing loss is common as we age, and hearing aids can be expensive. Plan G Plus includes:
- A free hearing exam
- Access to discounted hearing aids, priced between $699 and $999 per ear
For many people, this alone can be worth hundreds or even thousands in savings.
#4. SilverSneakers Fitness Program
Staying active is vital for long-term health. Plan G Plus gives you access to the popular SilverSneakers program, which includes:
- Free membership to thousands of gyms and fitness centers nationwide
- Online workout classes if you prefer to exercise at home
#5. 24/7 Nurse Line
Sometimes you just need quick medical advice. With Plan G Plus, you get:
- Unlimited access to a 24/7 nurse advice line
- Help managing symptoms, understanding medications, or deciding whether to see a doctor
How Plan G Plus Stands Out From Standard Plan G
At first glance, Plan G Plus and standard Plan G might look identical when it comes to Medicare coverage, and that’s because they are. Both plans offer the same comprehensive benefits for hospital stays, outpatient care, skilled nursing, and more.
So what makes Plan G Plus different?
The short answer: it’s everything you get in Plan G, plus carefully bundled extras like dental, vision, hearing, and fitness benefits – all built right into the plan.
With either version, you’ll get the full set of Medicare Supplement benefits, including:
- Medicare Part A deductible and coinsurance
- Medicare Part B coinsurance and excess charges
- Skilled nursing facility care
- Foreign travel emergency coverage
And just like all Plan G options, the only out-of-pocket cost you’re responsible for is the annual Medicare Part B deductible of $257 in 2025.
Where Plan G Plus shines is in the convenience and value of its added perks:
With standard Plan G, you’d have to buy separate dental and vision plans, usually costing an extra $30–$50 per month.
With Plan G Plus, these benefits are already included, making your overall coverage more streamlined and potentially more cost-effective.
Instead of managing multiple policies from different companies, Plan G Plus keeps everything under one roof – simplifying your coverage while allowing you to see any provider you want for Medicare-approved services.
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Important to note:
Plan G Plus does not operate like a Medicare Advantage plan.
Plan G Plus offers flexibility with no networks, allowing access to any Medicare-accepting doctor or hospital nationwide, with no referrals or prior authorizations needed.
BCBSIL Plan G Plus vs. Competitors
With so many companies offering Plan G, it can be hard to know which one to choose. But while the core Medicare coverage is the same, each carrier may offer different perks, pricing, and add-on features.
Here’s how Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois Plan G Plus compares to some of the most widely used Plan G providers in the country:
| Carrier | Base Premiums | Dental and Vision Included | Fitness Program | Hearing/Vision Discounts | Extra Perks Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BCBSIL Plan G Plus | Mid to High | Yes | SilverSneakers (Free) | Yes | Bundled extras (dental, vision, hearing) |
| Mutual of Omaha | Competitive | No | Discounted gym options | No | Strong rates, reliable service |
| Aetna | Lower | No (but discounts offered) | None | Yes | Budget-friendly, includes some discounts |
| UnitedHealthcare (AARP) | Mid | No | Renew Active (Free Gym) | No | Trusted brand, fitness only |
What This Means for You
If you want everything included in one plan – dental, vision, fitness, hearing – Plan G Plus is the most complete package.
If your priority is saving on monthly premiums, Aetna often comes in as the most affordable, but lacks built-in extras.
Mutual of Omaha and UHC (AARP) are in the middle – they are strong, stable companies with good reputations, but they offer limited extras or à la carte.
Remember: Every Plan G offers the same medical coverage, but the extras and the price you pay for them can vary significantly depending on the carrier.
How Much Does Plan G Plus in Illinois Cost?
Price is always a key factor when comparing Medigap plans, and that’s especially true when considering enhanced options like Plan G Plus.
For a 65-year-old nonsmoking applicant in Illinois, here’s what monthly premiums typically look like:
- Plan G Plus (BCBSIL): $160 to $180/month
- Standard Plan G (Other Carriers): $130 to $160/month
Your premium depends on factors like gender, tobacco use, location, and household status. BCBSIL also offers up to a 10% discount if you live with another Medicare-eligible adult.
So yes, Plan G Plus usually costs $20–$30 more per month than a standard Plan G plan, but it also includes dental, vision, hearing, and fitness benefits that would otherwise cost extra through separate policies.
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Pro tip:
Before dismissing Plan G Plus based on the monthly premium, consider what you’re getting in return.
If you plan to purchase dental and vision coverage separately, that alone could cost $30–$50/month. Those benefits are often more cost-effective and convenient when bundled into Plan G Plus.
So while Plan G Plus may look slightly more expensive upfront, many people find it to be a better all-in-one value, especially if they’d otherwise buy dental, vision, or fitness memberships separately.
How to Enroll in BCBSIL Plan G Plus
If you’ve decided that Plan G Plus from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois is the right fit, the next step is understanding when and how to enroll.
To apply for Plan G Plus, you must:
- Be enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Part B
- Live in Illinois (Plan G Plus is only available to Illinois residents)
The best time to enroll is during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period. This is a one-time, 6-month window that starts when you’re 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B.
You can buy any Medigap plan – including Plan G Plus – with no medical underwriting during this period. That means you can’t be denied coverage or charged more because of your health.
If your 6-month Medigap window has already passed, you can still apply for Plan G Plus, but you may be subject to underwriting.
That means BCBSIL can ask health questions and may decline your application based on medical history or pre-existing conditions.
Some exceptions apply (such as Guaranteed Issue rights during certain situations), so it’s always a good idea to speak with a licensed agent if you’re unsure.
You can apply for Plan G Plus in one of three ways:
- Online through the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois website
- By phone with a licensed representative
- Through a licensed Medicare agent, who can help you compare pricing, check for discounts, and walk you through the process
If you’re approaching age 65 or newly enrolled in Medicare Part B, don’t wait too long – your Open Enrollment window gives you the easiest, most flexible path to getting covered.
Pros and Cons of Choosing Plan G Plus
Every Medicare Supplement plan has its trade-offs, and Plan G Plus from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois is no exception.
While it offers excellent coverage and convenient extras, it’s important to understand both the advantages and limitations before enrolling.
Pros:
Covers all the major Medicare gaps: Just like standard Plan G, it pays for hospital costs, outpatient coinsurance, skilled nursing facility care, excess charges, and more, leaving you with few unexpected bills.
Includes bundled dental, vision, hearing, and fitness benefits: You won’t have to shop for separate policies – Plan G Plus includes cleanings, eye exams, hearing discounts, and a gym membership through SilverSneakers.
Offered by a trusted, established insurer: Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois has a long-standing reputation, and many doctors in the state already accept BCBSIL coverage.
Predictable out-of-pocket costs: With no networks, no referrals, and nearly all gaps covered (except the Part B deductible), your annual costs are easy to estimate and manage.
Cons:
Higher premium than standard Plan G: You’ll typically pay $20–$30 more per month compared to a no-frills Plan G from another carrier.
Dental and vision coverage is limited: The included benefits are basic – cleanings, exams, and simple fillings – but don’t include more extensive dental work like crowns or implants.
Only available in Illinois: If you move out of state, you’ll likely need to switch to a different plan.
Does not include drug coverage: Like all Medigap plans, Plan G Plus does not include Part D. You’ll need to enroll in a standalone drug plan if you want prescription coverage.
My Thoughts:
While Plan G Plus from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois may carry a slightly higher monthly premium than standard Plan G options, it offers much more than just medical coverage.
With valuable extras like dental, vision, and hearing benefits, as well as SilverSneakers, all built in, it simplifies your coverage. It potentially saves you the hassle and cost of managing multiple standalone policies.
More importantly, BCBSIL brings a level of trust and stability that few of the “newer” Medicare Supplement companies can match. As a well-established, long-standing name in Illinois healthcare, they’ve consistently proven their reliability in paying claims and supporting members over the long haul.
If you’re looking for a plan that offers convenience, peace of mind, and a company that has stood the test of time, Plan G Plus is a smart investment in your health coverage.
Is Plan G Plus Right for You?
If you’ve made it this far, you’re clearly doing your homework – and that’s a smart move. Choosing a Medicare Supplement plan isn’t just about checking boxes; it’s about finding the right balance of coverage, convenience, and cost for your lifestyle.
Plan G Plus is perfect for those who want dental, vision, and hearing coverage in one plan, prefer simplicity with bundled insurance, value predictable costs, and are willing to pay a bit more for added convenience and peace of mind.
You might want to pass on Plan G Plus if you already have dental or vision coverage, want the lowest premium without the extras, or don’t live in Illinois (or might be moving soon).
Final Thoughts
BCBSIL Plan G Plus takes one of the most popular and comprehensive Medicare Supplement plans and adds real-life extras – dental, vision, hearing, and fitness – all bundled into one package.
If you’re someone who would use those added benefits, Plan G Plus can be a convenient, cost-effective solution that simplifies your Medicare experience.
Before you decide, take a few smart steps:
#1. Compare quotes from multiple Plan G providers to see how Plan G Plus stacks up in your area.
#2. Think realistically about your needs – do you regularly use dental, vision, or hearing services? If so, Plan G Plus may offer better value than adding those separately.
#3. Talk to a licensed Medicare agent if you’re unsure. A quick conversation can help you weigh your options and avoid common mistakes.
Choosing Medicare doesn’t have to feel stressful. With a little guidance, it can be straightforward, and the right plan can give you peace of mind for years. Feel free to call us; we’d be happy to help walk you through your options.
FAQs
- Can I upgrade from standard Plan G to Plan G Plus later?
- Are the Plan G Plus extras considered insurance benefits or discounts?
- Does Plan G Plus cost more than standard Plan G?
- Can I opt out of the "Plus" features if I don’t need them?
- Does the dental benefit included in Plan G Plus cover major work like crowns or implants?
- Do I need to use certain providers to access the Plus features?
- Do the added Plan G Plus benefits increase each year or change over time?
